What is galvanic corrosion also known as?

Galvanic corrosion is commonly referred to as dissimilar metal corrosion because it occurs when two different metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte. This situation creates a galvanic cell, which accelerates the corrosion process of the less noble metal (the anode) while the more noble metal (the cathode) is protected from corrosion.

When dissimilar metals are joined, they have different electrode potentials. The metal with a higher electrode potential becomes the cathode and is generally more resistant to corrosion, while the metal with a lower potential acts as the anode and corrodes at an accelerated rate. This process highlights the implications of material selection in engineering applications, particularly where metals may come into contact in environments that favor electrochemical reactions, such as moist or saline environments.

Other types of corrosion mentioned in the options, such as uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, and localized corrosion, refer to different mechanisms and patterns of material degradation that don't specifically involve the interaction between two dissimilar metals. Understanding galvanic corrosion is crucial in avoiding premature failure and ensuring longevity in various engineering systems.